Shawn Masters

My approach is individualized and designed for you to achieve your goals in the shortest possible time, while building the foundation for lasting improvements. In our first meeting together, we'll talk about what brings you to counseling, what you want to accomplish, and barriers you’ve had with what you have already tried.

I understand that in the first meeting you will be deciding if you think I can help you. So, as I get to know you and gather information, I make a point to be present, share my initial thoughts and pose questions in order for you to build that confidence. In the following sessions, we will explore different techniques and new ways of seeing and doing things, so that the challenges become easily managed or resolved entirely. Ideally, we will meet once a week so that you get results faster, and you'll have "homework" - meaning you may be trying out something we discussed, practicing a tangible skill, or maybe just thinking about what you learned in the session.

I have been practicing for 20 years. So, I have helped countless people with sadness and depression, stress and anxiety, relationships, life changes, loss, trauma, self-esteem, parenting and much more. I have learned that any one approach is not ideal for everyone. So, I incorporate multiple counseling approaches, interventions and tools to be able to help in the manner that works best for you.

Some therapeutic approaches that I use are Cognitive Behavioral, and Brief Psychodynamic.

I have found it effective to incorporate both approaches; I might, say, use CBT tactics to provide symptom relief in the beginning before diving deeper into a psychodynamic perspective. The exact calibration of these approaches or another often depends on your needs and goals.

CBT focuses on finding practical, skills-based solutions to present-day problems

Cognitive behavioral therapy, often shortened to CBT, focuses on recognizing negative thought patterns and changing thoughts and behaviors and feelings through concrete skills.

The focus is on finding practical solutions to your present-day challenges instead of looking for the root cause of the problem.

CBT often entails homework assignments

Sessions often involve homework assignments ("action plans" or activities) for you to implement outside of sessions.

Typical homework assignments include:
• Journaling negative thoughts throughout the day so you can begin looking at these thoughts and challenging them
• Writing self statements to counteract the negative thoughts you have throughout the day
• Practicing positive reinforcement when you recognize and change a particular thought you can reward yourself
• Mastering meditation practices to calm and center yourself
• Learning visualization techniques to help you to change the negative script in your head into a successful and pleasant script
• Doing breathing exercises to help deal with anxiety and calm your mind

CBT is often a short-term treatment style, lasting 2-3 months

This type of therapy is typically more short-term, usually eight to 12 weekly sessions, over the course of two or three months.

Psychodynamic therapy looks to your past to understand your present

One form of psychodynamic therapy called brief psychodynamic therapy is shorter-term; it is set up to help you discover what is blocking you from progressing in a certain area. Once the reason for being blocked is uncovered, therapy usually ends.

In other words, this approach focuses on helping you gain insight into how your early life experiences (such as your relationship with your parents) affect your present day.

The goal of Psychodynamic Therapy is to heighten self-awareness and self-empowerment

In psychodynamic treatment, you're working towards developing greater understanding of yourself, both now and in your past.

The ultimate aim is to harness this newfound internal insight to:
• Reshape your understanding and thoughts about yourself
• Heal emotional wounds
• Shift unhealthy relationship patterns and behaviors
• Sadness and Depression
• Stress and Anxiety

As you identify the deep-rooted aspects of yourself, such as ongoing relationship patterns, various interpersonal struggles, and different facets of your personality, that knowledge gives you the ability to make and sustain real change that has been fostered by the tangible Cognitive Behavioral techniques.

I believe in transparency; I will answer any questions you ask, and I give direct answers when possible. The most significant thing I’ve learned in my work is that when we understand our WHY, we get freed up to more clearly identify the steps we need to take and have the energy and courage to take them.

A little about my education and work experience:

In 1999, I earned a Master’s Degree in Counseling from the University of San Francisco. I then moved to Ohio and began practicing in a Private Practice, where I also attended to the University of Cincinnati completing the coursework for a Doctoral degree in Counselor Education. This advanced training specialized in the applied practice of counseling theory and the teaching and training of Counselors.

Five years ago, I moved here to Missouri to be close to my family. In addition to being license as a Professional Counselor, I am trained and credentialed by the Missouri Credentialing Board to provide the Clinical Supervision and Training for Independently Licensed Counselors like myself, as well as clinical training for Missouri Substance Use Disorder and Missouri Alcohol Associate Drug Counselors.

I have worked providing counseling services and then as the Clinical Supervisor at the largest Mental Health and Substance Use Disorder Treatment facility in South East Missouri. I over saw the treatment of patients to guarantee accurate diagnosis appropriate treatment interventions, as well as provided training and development for the Licensed Counselors providing services.

I’ve continued working in private practice. And, during this past year, I was recruited by a Federally Qualified Health Center to direct them in expanding and developing their Mental Health Services; comprised of Mental Health Counseling, Psychiatric Medication Evaluation and Services, and creating a Substance Use Disorder Treatment Program.